Proper Ventilation Set Up for the Xbox 360 Console

I've been spending a good bit of time contributing to the Xbox Forums, and unfortunately a lot of people are still having issues with the three flashing red lights (general hardware failure). This is a major problem with the Xbox 360 console, and in my opinion the console's hardware issues are its only major flaw, but I've read of some people going onto their 20th console now. Their 20th!

The Xbox 360 is about 2 years and 8.5 months old, so that's like going through a console just over every month and a half! While I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt that these unforunate people have just had really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really bad luck , odds are they're actually doing something horribly wrong and not even realizing it. My most common suspicion: ventilation.

I suspect many of these unfortunate gamers are placing their Xbox 360's in their home wall units, or perhaps even leaving it on their carpets, or some other poorly chosen area.

To that end, I've decided to post up picks of my own Xbox 360's set up, showing off a properly ventilated console. The Xbox 360 is a beast that generates a lot of heat, however to date I have not received a single flashing red light, and I'm hoping to keep it this way.

Of course, any Xbox 360 console can get the three flashing red lights right out of the box, and though overheating is the popular reason for the cause of this symptom, it has never been officially proven what causes the three flashing red lights, so what I'm showing here may not prevent this problem for you, even if you are able to duplicate my set up. Still, every good suggestion counts, and I do hope I can help prevent a few of my readers a headache or two.

To start, I have my console out in the open, not in my TV's wall unit, with absolutely no obstruction blocking it what-so-ever. None of the vents are covered, and there's plenty of room for my Xbox 360 to vent all it's heat in any direction. Just by feel alone, you'll find that most of the console's heat is pushed out of the rear vents, so I've left plenty of room in the back for proper air flow; roughly 15 cm.

I've also placed my console and TV right under my window. The pros to this is with the window open, there's a lot better air circulation right around my Xbox 360. The bad news is if it ever rains and my window's open, we'll, thankfully I've been careful up to this point.

I've also placed my Xbox 360 horizontally to help prevent it from being accidentally knocked over, and to prolong disc life, as it's rumoured the console is more likely to scratch a disc in the vertical position.

Now, placing your console under a window might not be the best option, and I've only done it because it's the best spot available in my room, however I firmly suggest you place your Xbox 360 in the open similar to mine if you can. If not, you might want to think about a) relocating it or b) purchasing a cheap side table from some place like IKEA. That might be inconvenient, but it'll potentially save you money in the long run.

Best of luck!